The Dean's Board

Promoting the welfare of the college through advocacy, fundraising and service — that's the important role our Dean’s Board members play every day. Through their involvement and engagement, they advocate for the humanities and social sciences at NC State, across the state and beyond.

Meet the Dean's Board

Susan Rabon, presidentB.A. Political Science (NC State University)

Susan is the current chair of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean’s Board. She serves on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of the Commonwealth Home Health Care Group. She retired from the state of NC after serving as a commissioner for the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Senior Assistant for Administration for the Governor's Office, and Deputy Attorney for Administration for the North Carolina Department of Justice. After graduating with a BA in Political Science from NC State, she attended law school at the University of Virginia. She is a member of the North Carolina State Bar and is a North Carolina Certified Mediator. For her outstanding service and achievements, she was named the 2013 CHASS Distinguished Alumna.

Emily BarbourB.A. Communication (NC State University)

Emily has recently embarked on a new career, and is currently a real estate professional with Hodge Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty. Prior to this new endeavor, Emily was a successful fund-raising professional, serving in several senior roles including Vice President and Chief Development Officer of the Rex Foundation and Vice President of Development at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

Paul BonavitaB.A. Communication (NC State University)

Paul is the CEO at Strategic Pharma Solutions, Inc. a Raleigh-based healthcare communications agency focused on marketing solutions for pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies. Prior to Strategic Pharma Solutions, Paul held several industry leadership roles including at Healthstar Communications and GlaxoSmithKline.

Kathy CouncilM.A., Statistics (NC State University)

Kathy first joined SAS in 1977, and has served as vice president since 1985. As the head of the SAS publications unit, she oversees development and delivery of online and printed documentation and information products that support SAS products globally. Kathy has held numerous leadership positions at NC State, including as a member of the Board of Visitors and the NC State University Foundation.

Lynn DanielB.A. Political Science (NC State University)

Lynn started The Daniel Group in 1989, providing strategic planning, research and training services designed to help companies measure, manage and improve customer service. His background includes more than 11 years of management consulting experience with Norelli & Company, corporate planning and new product management positions with Rexham Corporation (now Rexam Corporation), as well as sales and sales management experience with Eli Lilly Company. He is a past president of the NC State Alumni Association.

Cristina Fernandez PierceB.A. Political Science (NC State University)

Cristina is vice president of legal operations in North America for GlaxoSmithKline. She is a healthcare and pharmaceutical attorney, practicing in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Her practice has focused on providing contractual, regulatory healthcare and corporate legal services to corporate clients. Particular emphases include advising on commercial contracts, FDA laws, the application of government pricing and reporting laws (Medicaid, Best Price, PHS, ASP FCP, Non-FAMP), drug reimbursement, antitrust, healthcare fraud and abuse laws, and corporate compliance.

Lee GarrettB.S. Chemical Engineering (NC State University)

Lee is a Medicare contractor medical director for Palmetto GBA (Medicare Jurisdiction M) He was previously with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. He was previously in private practice as a nephrologist for 20 years in Raleigh, and also served in the US Air Force as a physician for 20 years. Lee has been an integral part of the Raleigh community through service on multiple nonprofit boards.

Roger GoodeB.A. Sociology (NC State University)

Roger serves as senior associate general counsel in the Sam’s Club Division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where he provides legal support to various business units, including marketing, membership, member insights, e-commerce, corporate communications, credit and finance. Before starting his career at Walmart in 2002, Roger practiced law for 12 years at an insurance defense law firm in Atlanta. Roger currently serves in executive and director positions on several professional and community organizations.

Marquan HamiltonB.A. Political Science (NC State University – in process)

Marquan is currently a senior at NC State and is from Shelby, NC. He is involved in a multitude of organizations including being the President of the CHASS Ambassadors, a Pack Promise & Trio Scholar, and an Undergraduate Admissions Intern. He has plans to go into law, politics, and policy to evoke change that will benefit low income and impoverished communities.

Angela HelfrichB.A. Communication (NC State University)

Angela has significant experience in higher education, and is executive director for Higher Education at Doolli Inc, a STARTUP-NY technology company. She most recently worked at Fullbridge Inc., and previously at Xerox, Blackboard Inc. and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Angela is completing her MBA at Columbia Business School.

David JolleyB.A. Economics (NC State University)

David has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, including both commercial and investment banking. David is senior vice president and commercial relationships manager for Middleburg Bank in Williamsburg, VA.

Kelly LeVoyerB.A. English (NC State University)

A 1991 graduate in English, with a concentration in writing and editing, Kelly is a director in external communications at SAS, where she’s spent her entire career leading change through the evolution of print, digital and social communication strategies. She leads a team of talented writers and editors, and helped develop SAS’ first social media and community teams. She is passionate about exploring issues related to public education, diversity and medicine. She is married with two children and enjoys traveling, reading, art, writing, cooking and wine. Preferably allat the same time.

Dean NormanB.S. Animal Science (NC State University)

Dean is chief operating officer for Renfro Hot Sox LLC, an innovator in fashion socks and hosiery. Dean has over 20 years of senior management experience in sales, marketing and operations.

Reginald PonderB.S. Rural Sociology (NC State University)

Reggie has been a pastor his entire professional career. In addition to ministering to the needs of congregations throughout the state of North Carolina, he has also served in leadership roles in numerous civic organizations. Reggie is currently the senior advisor for legacy giving at the United Methodist Foundation.

Robert RaderB.A. Political Science (NC State University)

Robert serves as the Chief District Court Judge for the Tenth Judicial District of North Carolina, which encompasses all of Wake County. He has served as a district court judge for the past 20 years and as a practicing attorney for eight years prior to being appointed to the bench by Governor Jim Hunt. Robert has served on the executive board of numerous professional and community organizations.

Jane RogersB.A. English (NC State University)

Jane is an entrepreneur with 35+ years of experience working in various leadership roles within the public and private sectors. She recently served as a consultant to improve train travel in North Carolina and to secure the funding for rail corridor improvements. Her professional career is punctuated by development and fundraising. She has worked with environmental and educational organizations in and out of North Carolina and found time to volunteer with many nonprofits, including NC State’s Center for Environmental Farming Systems, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh Precinct 01-29 and Quail Ridge Books and Music.

Jason SimonB.A. Communication (NC State University)

With more than 15 years of experience leading marketing efforts in higher education, Jason is vice president and partner at Simpson Scarborough. In addition to corporate and agency branding experience, Jason previously served in marketing communications leadership roles for the University of California System and NC State University. A regular speaker on marketing strategy, he currently serves as co-chair of the AMA’s Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education. He has also penned articles or been featured in CASE Currents, Marketing News, The New York Times, NPR and other media outlets.

Bing SizemoreB.S. Textile Chemistry (NC State University)

Bing is an investment professional with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and head of The Sizemore Group. He serves as a board member on the NC State Board of Visitors, the State Club, and Friends of Arts NC State.

John WardB.A. Communication (NC State University)

John is senior vice president of content operations for AT&T Entertainment Group, where he is responsible for content operations for TV platforms with regard to sports blackout implementation and special events, program planning, traffic operations, and audience network on-air operations. His team also manages the studios that produce The Dan Patrick Show, The Rich Eisen Show, The Box Score, NFL Sunday Ticket and its accompanying Red Zone and Fantasy Zone programs. Prior to joining the company in 2005, Ward held a variety of positions at FOX Sports Productions. John has won 12 Sports Emmys for his work in sports broadcasting.

Adama WashingtonBachelor of Social Work (NC State University)

Adama is an energetic community member involved in a number of civic and school organizations. She is the proud mother of three children who keep her extremely busy with their academic studies and extracurricular activities.

David WhiteB.A. English (NC State University)

David is a wealth advisor with The Carolinas Financial Network. A 26-year veteran, David advises individuals and closely held businesses on investment management, risk management and estate planning opportunities. David has been involved with NC State over the years in capacities such as Alumni Association board and State Club board. He is very involved in several nonprofits and is an avid Wolfpack fan. David, Ann and their two boys live in Raleigh.

Ken WootenB.A. Political Science (NC State University)

Ken is a managing director at Ward and Smith, PA, in New Bern, N.C.In this role, he leads the firm's efforts to reimagine the practice of law to be in better alignment with the needs of today's clients. He has embraced the use of legal project management, process improvement, and alternatives to the billable hour, and is also a champion of flexible work policies and the firm's diversity and inclusion efforts. Prior to becoming Co-Managing Director, Ken handled various types of litigation, including construction, business and commercial, contract, public housing, insurance coverage, and federal litigation. He is an International Fellow and Past District Governor of Civitan International, and has served on the executive boards of many civic organizations. Prior to joining the firm, Ken was a research assistant to Justice J. William Copeland of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Ken received his B.A. from NC State with high honors before taking a J.D. from the UNC School of Law